Dagger-axe (ge 戈), Anyang period, Late Shang dynasty, ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE. Bronze with turquoise inlay and jade (nephrite) blade. H x W x D (overall): 7.4 × 21.8 × 1.3 cm. China, probably Henan province, Anyang. Gift of Arthur M. Sackler, Arthur M. Sackler Collection, S1987.898 © 2026 Smithsonian Institution

The cream-white jade blade has an indistinct crest and edges beveled continuously to the tip. The blade is sharpened toward the asymmetrically placed point. It is fitted into the rectangular socket or tang that has a perforation between the vertical bar and rectangular butt. The bronze haft was probably inlaid with turquoise. Now the lug and the haft (or the socket and the butt) show taotie mask decor executed in cloisonné, which give the impression of sunken relief. There also is evidence on the bronze haft of textile wrapping now carbonized. (Earthy deposits; heavy green patina and incrustations on the bronze haft; blade separated from haft; chips on haft.)

Provenance : As early as 1928, Likely discovered at archeological sites in Anyang, Honan Province, China

To 1948, Zhang Naiji (1899–1948), Shanghai, China then New York, NY 

1948 to around 1954, Zhang Mei Chien (1901–c.1955), New York, NY inherited upon her husband’s death 

Possibly around 1954 to 1961, C. T. Loo Chinese Art, New York, NY likely purchased from Zhang Mei Chien in New York, NY 

Possibly from 1961 to 1964, Frank Caro Chinese Art, New York, NY, mode of acquisition unknown

Possibly from around 1954 to 1960s, J. T. Tai & Company, New York, NY possibly purchased from Zhang Mei Chien in New York, NY

To 1987, Arthur M. Sackler, New York, purchased from either Frank Caro Chinese Art or J. T. Tai & Company in New York, NY 

From 1987, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Arthur M. Sackler on September 11, 1987.